Transportation

Family drive turns Oasis Freight Transport into to brokerage

Oasis Freight Transport underwent a major transition in the past year. Not only did Oasis rebrand — it was formerly known as Oasis Farms & Trucking — but the 20-year-old company also transformed its business model. It sold off its fleet of 15 trucks and began operating as a freight brokerage. “It’s hard to keep…

Ride in style with new black-car service TC Black

Expect VIP treatment inside a TC Black car with leather seats, a customized music playlist, punctual pickups and a skilled driver wearing a jacket and displaying impeccable manners. The owner of the Tri-City’s new black-car service is a native Texan and former Navy submariner. David McClain says his Lone Star State values drive his hospitality…

State gears up to build rock fence, improve I-182, Highway 12

Work is expected to begin in May on the biggest rock fence in Washington state’s history—and it’s not along the slopes of Snoqualmie Pass but along Highway 730 south of the Wallula junction. “That whole stretch from the Oregon border to the Wallula junction, there’s boulders in the ditch and there have been cars and…

Pasco train congestion could be improved with new Idaho bridge

Coalition of Washington business group supports $10 million project Planning is underway to build a new BNSF Railway bridge in Idaho that’s expected to improve train traffic in Pasco. BNSF Railway and Keep Washington Competitive representatives met recently in Pasco about the project. The permitting process is moving forward on the $100 million Sandpoint Junction…

Hittman Transport Services opens Northwest terminal in north Richland

Company recently took over Apogee Logistics’ former facility Hanford contractors have a new local set of wheels at their disposal. Hittman Transport Services, a national leader in the transport of radioactive and hazardous material shipments, has established its Northwest terminal in north Richland. “We’re the largest premier transportation company of radioactive waste and nuclear fuel…

Kennewick business owners support use of required electronic logging devices The transportation industry is feeling the effects of new regulations that went into effect at the end of 2017. After a 24-month phase-in period, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, now requires carriers and drivers to use electronic logging devices, or ELDs, to…

New Pasco-to-LAX flight remains in holding pattern

The proposed and much anticipated Pasco-to-Los Angeles flight first announced in 2015 hasn’t taken off yet. But local officials haven’t given up hope. “At this point we’re in a holding pattern,” said Carl Adrian, president and CEO of TRIDEC, with no pun intended. Adrian said the Tri-Cities is ready, but it’s just a matter of…

Demand for drivers prompts Martinez Trucking to open its own school

The trucking industry has had a tough time finding qualified drivers over the last 10 to 15 years. So Martinez Trucking decided to do something about it by creating its own truck drivers’ school. [blockquote quote=”Today’s truck driver has to be tech savvy.” source=”Z Martinez, operations manager for Martinez Trucking” align=”right” max_width=”300px”] It’s called the…

Kennewick UPS driver boasts 25 years of accident-free driving

Tom Ravella said road safety starts with putting away phone, staying focused A Kennewick UPS driver gives thanks every time he safely returns from one of his daily road trips. Tom Ravella, 55, typically drives 350 miles a day between Hermiston and the Farewell Bend area in Oregon, five days a week. That’s 1,750 miles…

DOT spring projects include repaving, adding cameras at intersections

Cabin fever has broke. And with warmer weather, workers at the state Department of Transportation have been eager to get outside to start on projects to improve roadways and traffic flow in Benton and Franklin counties. “One project that we’re going to start on in the middle of April is on (Interstate) 82,” said Alex…